books | fun | science

Ponies + Mermaids = Gold… ‘Lulu Bell and the Birthday Unicorn’

I’ve just read that the Lulu Bell series by Belinda Murrell has sold >200,000 copies.

Just a moment while I put the laptop aside and bow in tremulous awe.

Okay, I’m back. So today I’m reviewing Lulu Bell and the Birthday Unicorn, the first in the Lulu Bell series. The book instantly caught my attention, thanks to the vibrant illustrations by Serena Geddes. And then it kept it, thanks to the clever writing.

Awesome thumbs-up aspects:

Cute animals (everywhere)

Mermaid costumes (what kid doesn’t want one of those)

Humour

Diversity

Gorgeous illustrations

That’s the short of it. But, of course, I had to look a little deeper into the workings of a very successful book idea.

Chapter 7: Lulu saves the day with great cake idea! Yay! Minor plot (cake crisis) resolved. Main Character is the key in this.

Chapter 8: Party time! Happiness!

Chapter 9: Unicorn rides! Happiness!

Chapter 10: Pony’s owners arrive. Girl is same age as Lulu. Major plot (mystery pony) resolved.

Chapter 11: Party dinner. Pony owners invited too. Dad has to wear the funny fancy dress. Close out the joke from Chapter 5.

My thoughts?

This is cleverly-imagined and well-executed writing. It’s simple, in the most positive interpretation of that word. Nothing is there without reason, and everything ties together seamlessly. It appeals to the target market perfectly (primary-aged girls).

Only I’m not sure I want to read it with my daughter. Because, if I do, she’s sure to want all the pets that Lulu has. Every Single One. Except she’s allergic to most of them.